Splinter Reeds is a contemporary classical music ensemble based in San Francisco, California. The group was founded in 2013 by five musicians who shared a passion for exploring new sounds and pushing the boundaries of traditional classical music. The founding members of Splinter Reeds are Kyle Bruckmann (oboe), Bill Kalinkos (clarinet), David Wegehaupt (saxophone), Jeff Anderle (bass clarinet), and Dana Jessen (bassoon). The ensemble's name, Splinter Reeds, is a nod to the unique timbres and textures that can be created by reed instruments. The group's repertoire includes both original compositions and arrangements of existing works, with a focus on contemporary music that incorporates elements of improvisation, electronics, and other experimental techniques. Since its founding, Splinter Reeds has become a fixture of the Bay Area's vibrant new music scene, performing regularly at venues such as the Center for New Music, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive. The group has also toured extensively throughout the United States, with performances at festivals and venues in New York, Chicago, Seattle, and beyond. One of Splinter Reeds' most notable performances was their 2016 debut at the San Francisco Symphony's SoundBox series, which showcases innovative and experimental music in an intimate setting. The ensemble's program for the evening included works by contemporary composers such as Ken Ueno, Sky Macklay, and Eric Wubbels, as well as a world premiere by Bay Area composer Theresa Wong. In addition to their live performances, Splinter Reeds has also released several recordings, including their 2017 debut album, Hypothetical Islands, which features works by composers such as Sky Macklay, Yannis Kyriakides, and Ryan Brown. The album received critical acclaim, with The New York Times praising the ensemble's "precision and vitality" and their ability to "create a rich, complex sound world." Splinter Reeds has also been recognized with several awards and honors. In 2015, the ensemble was awarded a grant from the San Francisco Friends of Chamber Music to support their commissioning and performance of new works. The group has also been selected as artists-in-residence at the Djerassi Resident Artists Program, where they have had the opportunity to collaborate with other artists and composers in a secluded and inspiring setting. Looking to the future, Splinter Reeds remains committed to exploring new sounds and pushing the boundaries of contemporary classical music. The ensemble continues to commission and perform new works by emerging and established composers, and they are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive new music community in the Bay Area and beyond.

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